ZICUSO BC MEN’S SUPPORT PROGRAM
Together We Rise: A Support Program for Men
The Men’s Support Program is a community-led and culturally appropriate initiative aimed at supporting the personal growth and social development of men and boys. By focusing on responsible citizenship, life skills development, and emotional well-being, the program encourages healthy masculinity, strong relationships, and positive community involvement. Grounded in respect to diverse cultural identities and traditions, it creates a safe and inclusive space for reflection, learning, and transformation.
Guided by Wisdom: A Culturally Rooted Men’s Program
This program addresses the unique challenges faced by men and boys by providing mentorship, education, and peer support rooted in cultural relevance and community wisdom. It promotes emotional resilience, non-violence, and accountability, while also building capacity for leadership, parenting, and healthy decision-making. The program is committed to breaking cycles of isolation, intergenerational trauma, and harmful stereotypes, fostering more connected, responsible, and self-aware individuals.
Objectives
Promote Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
- Support men and boys in exploring identity, values, and purpose.
Encourage personal accountability and self-respect through guided reflection. - Create culturally grounded spaces for healing, storytelling, and transformation.
Provide Culturally Appropriate Programming
- Incorporate traditional teachings, cultural practices, and language in program delivery.
- Engage cultural leaders, elders, and knowledge keepers as facilitators and guides.
Develop Meaningful Life and Practical Skills
- Provide training in financial literacy, communication, goal setting, and conflict resolution.
- Teach time management, digital literacy, and job-readiness skills.
- Equip participants with tools for everyday decision-making and problem-solving, including financial literacy.
Support Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health
- Normalize emotional expression and reduce stigma around mental health.
- Offer culturally safe counseling, peer support, and mental health education.
- Foster emotional intelligence, stress management, and coping strategies.
Cultivate Healthy Masculinity and Relationships
- Challenge harmful gender norms and promote respect, empathy, and non-violence.
- Provide education on consent, fatherhood, and healthy interpersonal boundaries.
- Support the development of nurturing roles within families and communities.
Foster Positive Community Engagement and Belonging
- Build strong support networks through group activities, peer mentorship, and shared projects.
- Reduce isolation by connecting participants with elders, leaders, and allies.
- Celebrate cultural identity and collective responsibility through community gatherings.
Strengthen Intergenerational Connections
- Facilitate mentorship between adult men and boys/youth.
- Support knowledge sharing and dialogue between generations.
- Rebuild father-son and male caregiver relationships through shared learning.
